RESEARCH HUB International Multidisciplinary Research Journal
UGC Guidelines on Peer-Reviewed Journals The RESEARCH HUB International Multidisciplinary Research Journal [RHIMRJ] is an international double blind, peer-reviewed, online journal in English, Hindi and Gujarati languages that provides platform to the academicians and scholars to enrich their expertise in multidisciplinary research areas. The journal offers rigorous peer review (double blind) and fast publication. The RHIMRJ enables the wide dissemination of research articles, review articles, short communications to the global community without restriction. The journal is open access. Title: RESEARCH HUB International Multidisciplinary Research Journal Frequency of Publication: Monthly [12 issues per year] ISSN (Online): 2349-7637 (Online) Peer Review Process: Double Blind Peer Review Process Subject: Multidisciplinary Languages: English/Hindi/Gujarat [Multiple Languages] Accessibility: Open Access Plagiarism Checker: Turnitin (License) Publication Format: Online Contact No.: +91- 99784 40833 Email: editor@rhimrj.co.in Website: https://rhimrj.co.in/ Old website: https://old.rhimrj.co.in/ Address: 15, Kalyan Nagar, Shahpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380004 Journal was listed with UGC till 2nd May 2018 with Journal Number 44951 (UGC List)
Mural Paintings of Rural Havelis in the Shekhawati Region: Current Conservation Status, Challenges, and Future Prospects
The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is renowned worldwide as an “Open Art Gallery” because of its magnificent havelis, exquisite mural paintings, and rich cultural heritage. In particular, the havelis located in Nawalgarh, Mandawa, Fatehpur, Ramgarh, Dundlod, Mukundgarh, and surrounding rural areas of Jhunjhunu, Sikar, and Churu districts represent a unique heritage of Indian mural art. The murals adorning these havelis are not merely elements of architectural beauty; they also serve as visual records of the contemporary social structure, economic prosperity, religious beliefs, everyday life, commercial activities, and cultural values. Constructed primarily by the Marwari trading community during the nineteenth and early decades of the twentieth century, these havelis contain vivid depictions of mythological narratives, folk tales, historical events, colonial influences, and modern technological developments. Consequently, they constitute important sources for the study of Indian art and cultural history. At present, most rural havelis of Shekhawati face serious conservation challenges. In addition, private ownership, inadequate governmental protection, lack of awareness at the local level, and the absence of systematic digital documentation have further intensified the vulnerability of this cultural heritage. Abstract in Hindi Language: राजस्थान का शेखावाटी क्षेत्र अपनी भव्य हवेलियों, उत्कृष्ट भित्ति-चित्रों तथा समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक विरासत के कारण विश्वभर में "ओपन आर्ट गैलरी" के रूप में प्रसिद्ध है। विशेष रूप से झुंझुनूं, सीकर एवं चूरू जिलों के नवलगढ़, मंडावा, फतेहपुर, रामगढ़, डूंडलोद, मुकुंदगढ़ तथा आसपास के ग्रामीण क्षेत्रों में स्थित हवेलियाँ भारतीय भित्ति-चित्र कला की अद्वितीय धरोहर प्रस्तुत करती हैं। इन हवेलियों के भित्ति-चित्र केवल स्थापत्य सौंदर्य का अंग नहीं हैं, बल्कि वे तत्कालीन सामाजिक संरचना, आर्थिक समृद्धि, धार्मिक विश्वास, लोकजीवन, व्यापारिक गतिविधियों तथा सांस्कृतिक मूल्यों के दृश्य अभिलेख भी हैं। उन्नीसवीं एवं बीसवीं शताब्दी के प्रारम्भिक दशकों में मारवाड़ी व्यापारिक समुदाय द्वारा निर्मित इन हवेलियों में पौराणिक कथाओं, लोककथाओं, ऐतिहासिक घटनाओं, औपनिवेशिक प्रभावों तथा आधुनिक तकनीकी परिवर्तनों का सजीव चित्रण मिलता है, जो भारतीय कला एवं सांस्कृतिक इतिहास के अध्ययन में महत्वपूर्ण स्रोत के रूप में स्वीकार किए जाते हैं। वर्तमान समय में शेखावाटी की अधिकांश ग्रामीण हवेलियाँ संरक्षण संबंधी गंभीर चुनौतियों का सामना कर रही हैं। इसके अतिरिक्त निजी स्वामित्व, अपर्याप्त सरकारी संरक्षण, स्थानीय स्तर पर जागरूकता की कमी तथा व्यवस्थित डिजिटल प्रलेखन के अभाव ने भी इस सांस्कृतिक धरोहर की स्थिति को और अधिक संकटपूर्ण बना दिया है। Keywords: शेखावाटी, ग्रामीण हवेलियाँ, भित्ति-चित्र, सांस्कृतिक विरासत, संरक्षण, ग्रामीण धरोहर, राजस्थानी कला।
An Empirical Study on Impact of Advertising on College Students
Advertising has become an integral part of modern life and significantly influences consumer behaviour, especially among young consumers. College students are frequently exposed to advertisements through television, social media, websites, mobile applications, and other digital platforms. The present study aims to examine the impact of advertising on college students with respect to their awareness, attitudes, purchasing decisions, and brand preferences. The study is based on primary data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to college students. Secondary data were collected from books, journals, research papers, and online sources. The findings reveal that advertising plays a significant role in influencing students' buying behaviour, increasing product awareness, and shaping brand preferences. Social media emerged as the most influential advertising medium among respondents. The study concludes that advertising has a substantial impact on college students and serves as an important factor in their purchasing decisions.
How Does Social Media Influencer Marketing Affect Consumer Purchase Behaviour?
Influencer marketing has become a structural component of the Indian marketing communications budget, yet the theoretical account of how influencer communication converts audience attention into consumer buying behaviour remains fragmented. Research in this field draws on at least four distinct theoretical traditions — source credibility theory, parasocial interaction theory, dual-process models of persuasion, and the theory of planned behaviour — which have developed largely in parallel and are seldom integrated into a single explanatory structure. The result is a literature that documents effects without agreeing on the mechanism that produces them. This paper is conceptual rather than empirical. Its purpose is to review, organise and synthesise the theoretical and empirical scholarship on influencer marketing, and to propose an integrated framework capable of guiding subsequent empirical work in the Indian context. A structured narrative review methodology was applied to peer-reviewed literature published between 1953 and 2021, supplemented by industry and regulatory documentation from the Advertising Standards Council of India, the Internet and Mobile Association of India, and published consultancy research. The synthesis yields four propositions. First, influencer marketing is best understood as a trust-transfer mechanism rather than as direct persuasion: the influencer supplies a credibility signal that the consumer applies to the brand, and it is the resulting brand trust that carries the effect on purchase intention. Second, the two dominant explanatory constructs in the literature — credibility and parasocial relationship — are analytically distinct rather than interchangeable, and are likely to differ in relative importance across product categories. Third, the industry practice of selecting influencers on follower count is not well supported by the theoretical literature, which predicts an inverse relationship between commercial saturation and persuasive effect. Fourth, disclosure transparency, usually treated as a regulatory constraint, is better theorised as a credibility antecedent that contributes to trust formation. The paper contributes an integrated conceptual framework, a mapping of the theoretical lineage of the field, and a set of testable propositions specific to the Indian market. It does not report primary data; empirical validation of the proposed framework is identified as the principal direction for further research.
A Study of the Development of Women’s Education in Medieval India
The development of women’s education in medieval India represents an important dimension of Indian social, cultural, and religious history. The medieval period is generally regarded as a period of decline in women’s education; however, this perception is not entirely one-dimensional. During this period, the status of women’s education varied across regions, social classes, and communities due to diverse social, religious, and political circumstances. Women belonging to royal families, upper-class households, and certain religious institutions had opportunities to acquire knowledge of literature, religion, music, poetry, administration, and languages, whereas the education of women from the majority of ordinary households was largely confined to domestic responsibilities, moral values, and family duties. The Bhakti movement and Sufi tradition provided women with platforms for spiritual and cultural expression, thereby giving new direction to their intellectual awareness and social participation. Women scholars and spiritual figures such as Mirabai, Akka Mahadevi, Lalleshwari, and others enriched the traditions of women’s education and knowledge through their literary and spiritual contributions. The objective of this study is to examine the nature, forms, opportunities, limitations, and social impact of women’s education in medieval India. The study demonstrates that although practices such as purdah, child marriage, social orthodoxies, and political instability hindered the development of women’s education, it did not disappear completely due to the influence of various religious movements, cultural traditions, and patronage extended by rulers. The experiences of the medieval period also provided an intellectual foundation for the revival of women’s education in modern India. This study provides a useful historical perspective for understanding the development of women’s education and offers relevant insights for contemporary educational policies. Abstract in Hindi Langauge: मध्यकालीन भारत में महिला शिक्षा का विकास भारतीय सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक तथा धार्मिक इतिहास का एक महत्वपूर्ण आयाम है। सामान्यतः मध्यकाल को महिलाओं की शिक्षा के संदर्भ में अवनति का काल माना जाता है, किंतु यह धारणा पूर्णतः एकांगी नहीं है। इस काल में विभिन्न सामाजिक, धार्मिक तथा राजनीतिक परिस्थितियों के कारण महिला शिक्षा की स्थिति क्षेत्रों, वर्गों एवं समुदायों के अनुसार भिन्न-भिन्न रही। राजपरिवारों, उच्चवर्गीय परिवारों तथा कुछ धार्मिक संस्थानों से जुड़ी महिलाओं को साहित्य, धर्म, संगीत, काव्य, प्रशासन एवं भाषाओं का ज्ञान प्राप्त करने के अवसर उपलब्ध थे, जबकि अधिकांश सामान्य वर्ग की महिलाओं की शिक्षा घरेलू कार्यों, नैतिक मूल्यों तथा पारिवारिक उत्तरदायित्वों तक सीमित रही। भक्ति आंदोलन एवं सूफी परंपरा ने महिलाओं को आध्यात्मिक एवं सांस्कृतिक अभिव्यक्ति का मंच प्रदान किया, जिससे उनकी बौद्धिक चेतना और सामाजिक सहभागिता को नई दिशा मिली। मीराबाई, अक्का महादेवी, लल्लेश्वरी तथा अन्य विदुषी महिलाओं ने साहित्य एवं आध्यात्मिक चिंतन के माध्यम से महिला शिक्षा और ज्ञान परंपरा को समृद्ध किया। इस अध्ययन का उद्देश्य मध्यकालीन भारत में महिला शिक्षा की प्रकृति, स्वरूप, अवसरों, सीमाओं तथा उसके सामाजिक प्रभावों का अध्ययन करना है। अध्ययन से स्पष्ट होता है कि यद्यपि पर्दा प्रथा, बाल विवाह, सामाजिक रूढ़ियाँ तथा राजनीतिक अस्थिरता ने महिला शिक्षा के विकास को बाधित किया, फिर भी विभिन्न धार्मिक आंदोलनों, सांस्कृतिक परंपराओं तथा शासकों के संरक्षण के कारण महिला शिक्षा पूर्णतः समाप्त नहीं हुई। मध्यकालीन अनुभवों ने आधुनिक भारत में महिला शिक्षा के पुनर्जागरण के लिए वैचारिक आधार भी प्रदान किया। यह अध्ययन महिला शिक्षा के ऐतिहासिक विकास को समझने तथा वर्तमान शैक्षिक नीतियों के लिए उपयोगी संदर्भ प्रस्तुत करता है। Keywords: मध्यकालीन भारत, महिला शिक्षा, भक्ति आंदोलन, सूफी परंपरा, पर्दा प्रथा, सामाजिक परिवर्तन, भारतीय शिक्षा इतिहास, महिला सशक्तिकरण, सांस्कृतिक विकास।
The Impact of National Education Policy 2020 on Teacher Training and Professional Development
The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) represents a historic transformation in India’s education system, aiming not only to make education more inclusive, flexible, and innovation-oriented for students but also to provide new dimensions to teacher training and professional development. Teachers are the backbone of any education system, and the true objectives of education can be achieved only when teachers are empowered, well-trained, and motivated. NEP 2020 places particular emphasis on teacher training and development, emphasizing that quality education is possible only when teachers are provided with continuous opportunities for learning, professional empowerment, and the adoption of innovative practices. According to the policy, comprehensive reforms are required across various dimensions of teacher selection, training, assessment, and career development in order to strengthen the overall education system. Abstract in Hindi Language: राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020 (NEP 2020) भारत की शिक्षा प्रणाली में एक ऐतिहासिक परिवर्तन का प्रतीक है, जिसका उद्देश्य न केवल छात्रों के लिए शिक्षा को समावेशी, लचीला और नवाचार-संपन्न बनाना है, बल्कि शिक्षकों के प्रशिक्षण और उनके व्यावसायिक विकास को भी नए आयाम प्रदान करना है। शिक्षक किसी भी शिक्षा प्रणाली की रीढ़ होते हैं, और यदि शिक्षक सशक्त, प्रशिक्षित एवं प्रेरित होंगे, तभी शिक्षा का वास्तविक उद्देश्‍य प्राप्त किया जा सकता है। NEP 2020 ने शिक्षकों के प्रशिक्षण और विकास पर विशेष जोर देते हुए यह स्पष्ट किया है कि गुणवत्तापूर्ण शिक्षा तभी संभव है जब शिक्षकों को निरंतर सीखने, सशक्त बनने और नवाचारों को अपनाने का अवसर मिले। इस नीति के अनुसार, शिक्षकों का चयन, प्रशिक्षण, मूल्यांकन और करियर विकास सभी आयामों में बदलाव लाकर एक समग्र सुधार लाने की आवश्यकता है। Keywords: शिक्षक, प्रशिक्षण विकास, राष्ट्रीय शिक्षा नीति 2020, व्यावसायिक विकास, शिक्षा प्रणाली
Change in the Social Status of Migrated Johari Shaukas: A Sociological Study
The primary objective of this research paper is to examine the changes in the social status of the migrated Johari Shauka community following out-migration. The study considers family structure, educational status and housing pattern as the major indicators of social status. The pre-migration status has been examined on the basis of secondary sources, while the present post-migration status has been assessed using primary data. For the purpose of sampling, 210 adult respondents from 69 Johari Shauka families residing in Johar Nagar and Damuwadhunga Malli Bamori wards of Haldwani city were selected through purposive sampling, and primary data were collected through an interview schedule. The study reveals that the cessation of Indo-Tibetan trade brought about significant changes in the social status of the community. At present, with the expansion of education, the predominance of nuclear families, higher educational attainment, and the prevalence of permanent housing reflect the community’s high social status. From a sociological perspective, permanent migration has played a significant role in restructuring the social structure of the community. Abstract in Hindi Language: प्रस्तुत शोध-पत्र का प्रमुख उद्देश्य प्रवासित जोहारी शौकाओं की सामाजिक प्रस्थिति में बाह्य प्रवास के पश्चात आए परिवर्तनों का अध्ययन करना है। अध्ययन में परिवार के स्वरूप, शैक्षिक स्थिति तथा आवास के स्वरूप को सामाजिक प्रस्थिति के प्रमुख संकेतकों के रूप में चयनित किया गया है। प्रवास-पूर्व की स्थिति का अध्ययन द्वितीयक स्रोतों तथा प्रवास-उपरांत की वर्तमान स्थिति का अध्ययन प्राथमिक स्रोतों के आधार पर किया गया है। निदर्शन के लिए हल्द्वानी नगर के जोहार नगर एवं दमुवादूंगा मल्ली बमोरी वार्ड में निवासरत 69 जोहारी शौका परिवारों के 210 वयस्क उत्तरदाताओं का उद्देश्यपूर्ण निदर्शन पद्धति द्वारा चयन किया गया तथा साक्षात्कार अनुसूची के माध्यम से प्राथमिक तथ्य संकलित किए गए। अध्ययन से स्पष्ट हुआ कि भारत-तिब्बत व्यापार की समाप्ति के पश्चात समुदाय की सामाजिक प्रस्थिति में उल्लेखनीय परिवर्तन आए हैं। वर्तमान में शिक्षा के विस्तार के साथ एकल परिवारों की प्रधानता, उच्च शैक्षिक उपलब्धि तथा पक्के आवासों का प्रचलन समुदाय की उच्च सामाजिक प्रस्थिति को दर्शाता है। समाजशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण से स्थाई प्रवास ने समुदाय की सामाजिक संरचना के पुनर्गठन में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई है। Keywords: प्रवास, जोहारी शौका, जनजातीय समुदाय, भोटिया जनजाति, सामाजिक प्रस्थिति, सामाजिक परिवर्तन
Contribution of the Manufacturing Sector to Rural Transformation
India is a country largely composed of villages. Rural transformation is generally conceptualized in terms of modernization, rural development, changes in the economic structure, and the migration of population from agriculture to non-agricultural sectors of the economy. Various theoretical approaches have been applied to understand the process of rural transformation. Karl Marx also described the nature of rural society in India. Along with the industrial sector, the manufacturing sector is playing an important role in nation-building and contributing significantly to the development of the country. In Gujarat, the manufacturing industry represents a major sector of the economy and serves as an important source of employment for millions of people. Abstract in Hindi Language: भारत गाँवों से बना देश है। ग्रामीण परिवर्तन को आम तौर पर आधुनिकीकरण, ग्रामीण विकास, आर्थिक संरचना में परिवर्तन और अर्थव्यवस्था के कृषि से गैर-कृषि क्षेत्रों में जनसंख्या के प्रवास के रूप में अवधारणाबद्ध किया गया है। ग्रामीण परिवर्तन के अध्ययन के लिए विभिन्न सैद्धांतिक दृष्टिकोण लागू किए गए हैं। कार्ल मार्क्स ने भारत में ग्रामीण समाज की प्रकृति का भी वर्णन किया है। देश के विकास में औद्योगिक क्षेत्र के साथ-साथ निर्माण क्षेत्र भी कदम से कदम मिलाकर राष्ट्र निर्माण में अहम भूमिका निभा रहा है। गुजरात में निर्माण उद्योग एक बड़ा क्षेत्र है और लाखों लोगों के लिए रोजगार का स्रोत है। Keywords: ग्रामीण परिवर्तन, निर्माण क्षेत्र, भूमिका
Building Organizational Trust through Ethical Leadership: A Management Perspective
In an era marked by corporate scandals, leadership failures, and growing stakeholder skepticism, organizational trust has emerged as a critical differentiator between thriving enterprises and those that falter. This article examines the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational trust from a management perspective, arguing that trust is not merely a desirable quality but the bedrock upon which sustainable organizational success is built. Drawing on the Ethical Leadership Ecosystem Model (ELEM), this analysis demonstrates that ethical leadership, organizational integrity, and follower trust constitute an interdependent, dynamic system rather than a unidirectional causal chain. Through examination of foundational principles, practical pathways, and real-world applications, this article provides a comprehensive framework for managers seeking to cultivate trust through ethical leadership practices.
Relationship between Demographic Factors and Information Sources: A Study of Life Insurance Policyholders
Life insurance is one crucial means of financial security and risk protection for its policyholders and family. The current paper intends to examine the demographic characteristics of policyholders in Himachal Pradesh. The paper seeks to study the gender and age wise profile distribution of the respondents and identify the preferred sources of information used for policy purchase decision making. For this study, primary data was collected from the respondents who are life insurance policyholders and the persons who intend to buy life insurance in the near future. A sample of 402 respondents was collected using purposive sampling. Demographic distribution of the respondents has been analyzed using descriptive statistical tools namely frequency and percentage analysis. The analysis shows that the larger number of policyholders are in the age group 31-50, signaling that there is increased insurance uptake at the active age group. Most of the respondents are males. The study also examines the preference given by respondents to information sources for policy purchase decisions to understand the most effective source in policy purchase decision making.
Toxicants: Harmful impact on reproductive biology
Reproductive success is a vital factor for existence of organisms, also It ensures the establishment of genetic line through generations. The reproductive success is influenced by several environmental and biological factors. There are several studies and hypothesis have proved that the same toxic substance can produce different effects among species and between sexes due to variations in absorption, distribution, metabolism, and other biological processes. Chronic exposure of different pesticide and fungicide (acephate, fluorides) results in sex-specific reproductive toxicity in different model organisms like Danio rerio (zebrafish), Drosophila melanogaster and albino rat, and studies have found that females are more affected than males. Similarly, in Wistar rats, exposure to inorganic mercury leads to distinct lipotoxic effects and accumulation of mercury in different organs of males and females. These findings highlight reproductive biology as a critical biological parameter in toxicological studies. Therefore, toxicity induced sex bias is one of the key factors into environmental risk assessment, drug safety evaluation, and biodiversity conservation strategies.
Panchayati Raj Institutions and Women's Political Participation at the Grassroots Level: Impact of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments with Special Reference to Rajasthan
The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments of 1992 marked a watershed in India's democratic decentralization by granting constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). One of the most significant provisions of these amendments was the reservation of not less than one-third of seats and leadership positions for women, which substantially increased women's representation in grassroots governance. Several states, including Rajasthan, further strengthened this constitutional commitment by increasing reservation for women to 50 percent. Rajasthan, a pioneer in Panchayati Raj since 1959, has emerged as an important case for examining the effectiveness of women's political participation at the local level. This paper examines the constitutional framework of decentralized governance, analyses the evolution of women's political participation, and evaluates the impact of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments with special reference to Rajasthan. It argues that increased numerical representation has enhanced women's visibility in local governance, improved their participation in decision-making, and contributed to better outcomes in education, health, sanitation, drinking water, and social welfare. However, challenges such as proxy representation, patriarchal social structures, limited administrative capacity, financial dependence, inadequate training, and political interference continue to affect substantive empowerment. The paper is based on secondary data obtained from government reports, constitutional provisions, Ministry of Panchayati Raj publications, Rajasthan Panchayati Raj Department documents, scholarly books, and peer-reviewed research articles. The study concludes that while constitutional reservations have transformed women's political representation, meaningful political empowerment requires sustained institutional reforms, capacity building, financial decentralization, gender-sensitive governance, and stronger accountability mechanisms.
Digital Payment Adoption and Revenue Generation among Micro and Small Enterprises: Insights for Kachchh District, Gujarat
Digital payment systems have emerged as a significant catalyst for financial inclusion, business formalization, and sustainable economic growth in developing economies. Their growing adoption has transformed the operational and financial landscape of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) by improving transaction efficiency, expanding market access, and strengthening financial transparency. This study examines the influence of digital payment adoption on revenue generation among MSEs operating within the unique dual economic structure of Kachchh district, Gujarat, where modern industrial clusters coexist with traditional rural and semi-urban enterprises. Drawing upon secondary data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Government of Gujarat publications, MSME reports, and contemporary academic literature, the study adopts a descriptive and analytical research approach to evaluate the financial implications of digital payment systems. The findings indicate that digital payment adoption contributes to enhanced sales performance, improved cash flow management, stronger customer engagement, and greater access to formal financial services. Digital transaction records also facilitate creditworthiness, thereby improving opportunities for institutional finance among small enterprises. Nevertheless, the benefits are not uniformly distributed across the district. Constraints such as inadequate digital infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns, limited digital literacy, and apprehensions regarding tax compliance continue to impede widespread adoption, particularly among enterprises operating in the informal sector. The study concludes that while digital payments serve as an important driver of revenue generation and enterprise formalization, region-specific policy interventions are essential to bridge the digital divide within Kachchh's heterogeneous economy. Strengthening digital infrastructure, enhancing financial literacy, and promoting secure and affordable digital payment ecosystems can significantly improve the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of MSEs. The findings provide practical insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and development agencies seeking to accelerate inclusive economic growth through digital financial transformation.
The Role of Folk Fairs in the Cultural Tourism of the Shekhawati Region
The Shekhawati region is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments, fresco paintings, havelis, folk art, and vibrant folk traditions. The region's folk fairs are not only symbols of religious faith and social harmony but also play a significant role in promoting cultural tourism. This paper analyzes the major folk fairs of Shekhawati, their historical background, traditional modes of organization, cultural activities, and the active participation of local communities. The study also examines how these fairs attract tourists from across India and abroad while contributing to the promotion of local handicrafts, folk music, folk dances, traditional cuisine, and the rural economy. In addition, the paper highlights the substantial contribution of tourism to the economic development of the Shekhawati region, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting its unique cultural traditions as a means of fostering sustainable tourism. Abstract in Hindi Language: शेखावाटी क्षेत्र अपनी समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक विरासत, ऐतिहासिक धरोहरों, भित्ति चित्रों, हवेलियों, लोक कला तथा लोक परंपराओं के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस क्षेत्र के लोक मेले न केवल धार्मिक आस्था और सामाजिक समरसता के प्रतीक हैं, बल्कि सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन को प्रोत्साहित करने में भी महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाते हैं। आलेख में शेखावाटी के प्रमुख लोक मेलों, उनकी ऐतिहासिक पृष्ठभूमि, आयोजन की परंपराओं, सांस्कृतिक गतिविधियों तथा स्थानीय समुदाय की भागीदारी का विश्लेषण किया गया है। साथ ही यह भी अध्ययन किया गया है कि ये मेले देश-विदेश से आने वाले पर्यटकों को किस प्रकार आकर्षित करते हैं तथा स्थानीय हस्तशिल्प, लोक संगीत, लोक नृत्य, पारंपरिक व्यंजन और ग्रामीण अर्थव्यवस्था को किस प्रकार बढ़ावा देते हैं। पर्यटन शेखावाटी क्षेत्र की अर्थव्यवस्था में भी महत्वपूर्ण योगदान देता है। Keywords: शेखावाटी, सांस्कृतिक पर्यटन, लोक मेले, सांस्कृतिक विरासत, लोक संस्कृति, पर्यटन विकास
Shaheed Bhagat Singh's Ideological Philosophy: An Analytical Study of Socialism, Nationalism, and Revolutionary Consciousness
In the history of the Indian freedom struggle, Shaheed Bhagat Singh is remembered not only as a fearless revolutionary but also as an original thinker, political philosopher, and advocate of social transformation. His ideology was founded upon the principles of scientific temper, socialism, democratic nationalism, secularism, and the broader concept of human emancipation. He strongly opposed not only colonial rule but also economic exploitation, social inequality, communalism, and orthodoxy. The present research paper presents an analytical study of Bhagat Singh's ideological philosophy with particular reference to socialism, nationalism, and revolutionary consciousness. The study is based on his writings, letters, prison diary, contemporary documents, and other available secondary sources. The findings reveal that Bhagat Singh's concept of revolution was not confined merely to a change of political power; rather, it envisioned the creation of a society founded on the principles of equality, freedom, scientific outlook, and social justice. The study further highlights that Bhagat Singh's ideas continue to remain highly relevant in the contemporary era, serving as a source of inspiration for the promotion of democratic values, constitutional ideals, and social transformation. Abstract: भारतीय स्वतंत्रता संग्राम के इतिहास में शहीद भगत सिंह केवल एक निर्भीक क्रांतिकारी के रूप में ही नहीं, बल्कि एक मौलिक चिंतक, राजनीतिक दार्शनिक तथा सामाजिक परिवर्तन के समर्थक के रूप में भी प्रतिष्ठित हैं। उनके विचारों का आधार वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण, समाजवाद, लोकतांत्रिक राष्ट्रवाद, धर्मनिरपेक्षता तथा मानव-मुक्ति की व्यापक अवधारणा पर आधारित था। उन्होंने औपनिवेशिक शासन के साथ-साथ आर्थिक शोषण, सामाजिक असमानता, सांप्रदायिकता और रूढ़िवादिता का भी सशक्त विरोध किया। प्रस्तुत शोध-पत्र में भगत सिंह के वैचारिक दर्शन का समाजवाद, राष्ट्रवाद तथा क्रांतिकारी चेतना के संदर्भ में विश्लेषणात्मक अध्ययन किया गया है। अध्ययन का आधार उनके लेखों, पत्रों, जेल डायरी, समकालीन दस्तावेजों तथा उपलब्ध द्वितीयक स्रोतों पर आधारित है। शोध से स्पष्ट होता है कि भगत सिंह की क्रांति केवल सत्ता परिवर्तन तक सीमित नहीं थी, बल्कि उसका उद्देश्य एक ऐसे समाज का निर्माण करना था जो समानता, स्वतंत्रता, वैज्ञानिक चेतना और सामाजिक न्याय के सिद्धांतों पर आधारित हो। वर्तमान समय में भी उनके विचार लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों, संवैधानिक आदर्शों तथा सामाजिक परिवर्तन की दिशा में प्रेरणास्रोत बने हुए हैं। Keywords: भगत सिंह, समाजवाद, राष्ट्रवाद, क्रांतिकारी चेतना, स्वतंत्रता संग्राम, वैचारिक दर्शन।
Geo-Cultural Dimensions of Culinary Tourism in India: Exploring Regional Food Heritage and Cultural Landscapes
India is one of the world's most culturally and geographically diverse nations, where food represents far more than a means of sustenance. Indian cuisine reflects centuries of interaction among geography, climate, agricultural practices, religious beliefs, historical exchanges, trade routes, migration, and local traditions. This study examines the geo-cultural dimensions of culinary tourism in India by exploring the relationship between regional food heritage and cultural landscapes. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach based on secondary sources, including academic literature, government reports, UNESCO documents, Geographical Indications (GI) Registry records, and tourism policy documents. The study argues that India's culinary traditions are deeply rooted in its physical environment and socio-cultural history. Distinct agro-climatic regions have produced unique cuisines characterized by local ingredients, indigenous cooking techniques, and traditional knowledge systems. From the wheat-based cuisine of North India to the rice and coconut traditions of South India, the millet culture of Western India, and the fermented foods of the Northeast, regional culinary identities demonstrate strong geographical foundations. The paper further explores the significance of cultural landscapes in preserving culinary heritage and examines the growing role of Geographical Indication (GI) products in promoting destination branding and sustainable tourism. Culinary tourism has emerged as an important component of experiential tourism by encouraging cultural exchange, supporting local economies, preserving traditional knowledge, and enhancing rural livelihoods. Despite its immense potential, challenges such as commercialization, standardization, loss of authenticity, and inadequate policy integration continue to affect the sustainable development of culinary tourism in India. The study concludes that a geo-cultural approach can significantly contribute to heritage conservation, regional development, sustainable tourism planning, and the global promotion of India's diverse food traditions.
Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Journalism and Mass Communication Education: Exploring Perceived Benefits, Barriers, and Future Readiness
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the landscape of higher education, with Journalism and Mass Communication emerging as one of the disciplines most profoundly influenced by this technological revolution. AI-powered technologies, including generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, and data analytics, are reshaping teaching methodologies, curriculum design, newsroom simulations, research practices, and multimedia content creation while redefining the competencies expected of future media professionals. At the same time, the integration of AI presents critical challenges related to academic integrity, misinformation, algorithmic bias, ethical responsibility, faculty preparedness, data privacy, and the preservation of fundamental journalistic principles. This conceptual paper critically explores the opportunities, challenges, and future preparedness associated with AI adoption in Journalism and Mass Communication education through an extensive synthesis of contemporary scholarly literature and international policy perspectives. The study argues that AI has the potential to enhance personalized learning, strengthen digital journalism, improve research efficiency, foster innovation in multimedia storytelling, and equip students with industry-relevant skills. However, its successful and sustainable implementation depends upon comprehensive curriculum reform, institutional readiness, robust digital infrastructure, continuous faculty development, responsible AI governance, and the promotion of AI literacy and ethical awareness among both educators and learners. The paper concludes that Artificial Intelligence should be viewed not as a replacement for human creativity, critical thinking, or editorial judgment, but as a transformative educational partner capable of enriching journalism education and preparing future media professionals to thrive in an increasingly intelligent, data-driven, and digitally interconnected communication ecosystem.
A Historical Analysis of Maomariya Rebellion and the Decline of the Ahom Monarchy in Assam
The Maomariya rebellion was one of the most significant socio-political upheavals in the history of Assam, making a decisive phase in the decline of the Ahom monarchy. The rebellion initiated by the followers of the Maomariya branch of Neo-Vaishnavism, emerged from long standing grievances arising from religious persecution other discriminations of the Ahom government. The Maomariya Satra was founded by Aniruddha Bhuyan, alias Aniruddhadeva, who was a disciple of Sankaradeva towards the close of 16th century. These Maomariyas transformed themselves into a rebellious body from a religious sect due to the attitude of the Ahom Government towards them This study examines the historical factors, courses and consequences of the rebellion, with particular emphasis on its political and administrative stability of the Ahom kingdom. Adopting a historical and descriptive methodology, the paper relies on both primary and secondary sources including historical chronicles, scholarly works and archival records. The study argues that the Maomariya rebellion was not merely a sectarian movement but a broader manifestation of structural weaknesses within the Ahom state. The prolonged conflict undermined its military strength, disrupted its economy, weakened central authority and created conditions that facilitated Burmese invasion and eventually British annexation following the Treaty of Yandaboo (1826 AD).
Influence of Parental Involvement on Academic Achievement of Elementary School Students: A Study of Sadar Block, Keonjhar District, Odisha
This study examined the influence of parental involvement on the academic achievement of elementary school students in Sadar Block of Keonjhar District, Odisha. Parental involvement is widely recognized as a significant factor in enhancing students' educational outcomes through home-based support, communication with teachers, supervision of learning activities, and participation in school-related activities. The study aimed to (i) assess the level of parental involvement among elementary school students, (ii) examine the academic achievement of students with reference to gender and locality, and (iii) determine the relationship between parental involvement and academic achievement. A correlational research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all Class VIII students of elementary schools in Sadar Block, Keonjhar District. A sample of 60 students was selected from five government elementary schools using the simple random sampling technique. Data on parental involvement were collected using a self-developed Parental Involvement Scale consisting of 21 items covering five dimensions: parental attention, parental encouragement, parental guidance, parental decision-making, and provision of physical facilities. Students' academic achievement was measured using their previous year's academic scores. The collected data were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, independent samples t-test, and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation. The findings revealed that there was no significant difference in parental involvement with respect to gender (t = 0.36, p > 0.05) and locality (t = 0.64, p > 0.05). The study further revealed a significant positive correlation between parental involvement and academic achievement (r = 0.328), indicating that higher parental involvement is associated with better academic performance among elementary school students. The study concludes that parental involvement plays an important role in improving students' academic achievement regardless of gender and locality. It recommends strengthening home-school partnerships through regular parent-teacher interactions, awareness programmes, and parental guidance initiatives to promote children's academic success.
Study of Rainfall Pattern of Sumerpur Tehsil, Pali District, Rajasthan
Climate has the greatest impact on the natural vegetation of any region and on the crops grown. Hence it is clear that the climate of a region controls its entire economy. This is the reason why the study of climate is important from both theoretical and practical point of view. The main elements of climate are precipitation, temperature, humidity, air pressure, wind etc. Of these elements of climate, the element affecting the human economy the most is precipitation. Since agriculture, which is the mainstay of the Indian economy, depends on the pattern and intensity of rainfall. But due to irregularity and inconsistency in rainfall, most of the area is dependent on irrigation for agriculture. These areas are located in arid or semi-arid regions and are completely dependent on irrigation facilities, as they receive less rainfall. Sumerpur Tehsil is situated in Pali District, which experiences scarcity of rainfall. In this research paper, we study the changes in the rainfall pattern in the study area in the last 20 years (2003-2022) on the basis of anthropogenic anomalies.
Beyond Right and Wrong: Reinterpreting the Mahabharata's Mythic Universe in Pattanaik's Jaya
This paper analyses Devdutt Pattanaik’s Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010) as a deliberate re-visioning of the epic's mythic universe, one that resists the urge to reduce its moral conflicts to a neat binary of heroism and villainy. Popular retellings of the Mahabharata tend to flatten the vast narrative into a simple contest between righteous Pandavas and wicked Kauravas. This study argues that Pattanaik’s method, which combines conversational prose, symbolic illustration, and a deliberate embrace of narrative plurality, reconstructs the epic as a space in which ethical clarity is consistently withheld rather than delivered. The paper starts by analysing Pattanaik’s narrative strategy and how, by situating Jaya as one voice among many in the regional and oral traditions, he makes the myth itself multiple rather than singular or authoritative. It then examines Pattanaik’s discussion of dharma, arguing that his treatment of morally ambivalent characters, especially Bhishma and Karna, reveals a notion of righteousness that is empathetic and self-directed rather than rule-bound or externally adjudicated. In this last analytical section, the argument is extended more generally to the other gods, heroes and villains in Pattanaik’s pantheon. It shows how the gods are often acting with compromised wisdom, the legendary heroes have major unresolved failures, and the common villains are offered valid grievances that implicate the very heroes who oppose them. This paper argues that Jaya is not simply a retelling of the Mahabharata. It is still a reconstruction of its ethical architecture, replacing binary moral judgement with a sustained vision of dharma as irreducibly complex, based on a close reading of the text and recent scholarship on Pattanaik’s narrative and visual strategies. Ultimately, the study places Jaya in the context of larger contemporary practices of mythological retelling as a text that exemplifies how ancient narratives can continue to be meaningful precisely through the preservation, not resolution, of their inherent moral ambiguity.
India–Sri Lanka Relations: An Analysis of Regional Security, Strategic Cooperation, and Diplomatic Dimensions
India and Sri Lanka share a significant bilateral partnership founded on historical, cultural, geographical, and strategic ties. During the period 2014–2025, under India's Neighbourhood First Policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, the two countries witnessed substantial growth in political, economic, defence, maritime, and developmental cooperation. The present study analyzes the major dimensions of India–Sri Lanka relations, with particular emphasis on the growing strategic presence of China in Sri Lanka and India's role during Sri Lanka's economic crisis of 2022. Based on the theoretical perspectives of Realism, Neo-Realism, and Complex Interdependence, the study demonstrates that despite challenges such as the fishermen's dispute, the Tamil issue, and geopolitical competition, bilateral relations have become stronger and increasingly multidimensional. The study concludes that the future success of India–Sri Lanka relations will depend on strengthening mutual trust, regional cooperation, maritime security, economic partnership, and shared strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region. Abstract: भारत और श्रीलंका के मध्य संबंध ऐतिहासिक, सांस्कृतिक, भौगोलिक एवं सामरिक आधारों पर स्थापित एक महत्वपूर्ण द्विपक्षीय साझेदारी हैं। वर्ष 2014–2025 के दौरान भारत की पड़ोसी प्रथम नीति तथा सागर दृष्टिकोण के अंतर्गत दोनों देशों के बीच राजनीतिक, आर्थिक, रक्षा, समुद्री एवं विकासात्मक सहयोग में उल्लेखनीय वृद्धि हुई। प्रस्तुत अध्ययन में भारत–श्रीलंका संबंधों के प्रमुख आयामों का विश्लेषण करते हुए चीन की बढ़ती रणनीतिक उपस्थिति तथा वर्ष 2022 के श्रीलंका के आर्थिक संकट के दौरान भारत की भूमिका का मूल्यांकन किया गया है। यथार्थवाद, नव-यथार्थवाद तथा जटिल पारस्परिक निर्भरता के सैद्धांतिक दृष्टिकोणों पर आधारित यह अध्ययन दर्शाता है कि मत्स्य विवाद, तमिल प्रश्न और भू-राजनीतिक प्रतिस्पर्धा जैसी चुनौतियों के बावजूद दोनों देशों के संबंध अधिक सुदृढ़ एवं बहुआयामी बने हैं। अध्ययन का निष्कर्ष है कि भविष्य में भारत–श्रीलंका संबंधों की सफलता पारस्परिक विश्वास, क्षेत्रीय सहयोग, समुद्री सुरक्षा, आर्थिक साझेदारी तथा इंडो-पैसिफिक क्षेत्र में साझा रणनीतिक हितों को सुदृढ़ करने पर निर्भर करेगी। Keywords: भारत–श्रीलंका संबंध, पड़ोसी प्रथम नीति, सागर (SAGAR), इंडो-पैसिफिक, समुद्री सुरक्षा, आर्थिक कूटनीति, सामरिक साझेदारी, श्रीलंका का आर्थिक संकट।
Teachings of the Lesser-Known Sufi Saints of Rajasthan and the Discourse on Social Harmony
Rajasthan has long been one of the richest regions of India in terms of cultural heritage, folk traditions, and religious coexistence. The Sufi tradition occupies a distinctive place in the state's cultural legacy. Generally, when Sufi saints of Rajasthan are mentioned, the name of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti comes to mind first. However, besides him, there were numerous lesser-known Sufi saints who, through their lives, teachings, and service to society, provided new dimensions to social harmony, religious tolerance, and cultural integration. Saints such as Sheikh Hamiduddin Nagauri, Hamiduddin Rehani, Hazrat Hisamuddin Sokhta, Sheikh Fakhruddin Sarwari, Bibi Hafiza Jamal, Narhad Pir (Hazrat Shakkar Baba), and Syed Fakhruddin embraced love, compassion, service, equality, and human dignity as the guiding principles of their lives. Their teachings were not confined merely to spiritual enlightenment; they also sought to eliminate the social, religious, and caste-based divisions prevalent in society. Through their inclusive approach, they promoted communal harmony and mutual respect among people of diverse backgrounds. The present research paper analyzes the teachings of these lesser-known Sufi saints of Rajasthan from the perspective of social harmony, highlighting their significant contributions to fostering religious tolerance, cultural synthesis, and peaceful coexistence. Abstract: राजस्थान भारतीय संस्कृति, लोक परम्पराओं और धार्मिक सह-अस्तित्व की दृष्टि से अत्यंत समृद्ध प्रदेश रहा है। यहाँ की सांस्कृतिक विरासत में सूफ़ी परम्परा का विशेष स्थान है। सामान्यतः राजस्थान में सूफ़ी संतों का उल्लेख होने पर सर्वप्रथम ख्वाजा मोइनुद्दीन चिश्ती का नाम सामने आता है, किन्तु उनके अतिरिक्त अनेक ऐसे सूफ़ी संत भी हुए जिन्होंने अपने जीवन, शिक्षाओं और लोकसेवा के माध्यम से सामाजिक समरसता, धार्मिक सहिष्णुता और सांस्कृतिक समन्वय को नई दिशा प्रदान की। शेख हमीदुद्दीन नागौरी, हमीदुद्दीन रेहानी, हजरत हिसामुद्दीन सोख्ता, शेख फखरुद्दीन सरवाड़ी, बीबी हाफिज़ा जमाल, नरहड़ पीर (हजरत शक्कर बाबा) तथा सैय्यद फखरुद्दीन जैसे संतों ने प्रेम, करुणा, सेवा, समानता और मानवीय गरिमा को अपने जीवन का आधार बनाया। इन संतों की शिक्षाएँ केवल आध्यात्मिक उन्नयन तक सीमित नहीं थीं, बल्कि उन्होंने समाज में व्याप्त जातीय, धार्मिक तथा सामाजिक विभाजनों को समाप्त करने का भी प्रयास किया। प्रस्तुत शोध-पत्र में राजस्थान के इन अल्प-ज्ञात सूफ़ी संतों की शिक्षाओं का सामाजिक समरसता के संदर्भ में विश्लेषण किया गया है। Keywords: राजस्थान, सूफ़ी संत, सामाजिक समरसता, धार्मिक सहिष्णुता, चिश्ती परम्परा, लोकसंस्कृति, सांस्कृतिक समन्वय।
The Contemporary Relevance of Gandhian Philosophy in Global Peace and Conflict Resolution
In the contemporary global scenario, challenges such as war, terrorism, religious extremism, racial conflicts, economic inequality, climate change, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons have emerged as serious threats to world peace. The Russia–Ukraine war, the Israel–Palestine conflict, and the increasing incidence of violence in various parts of the world have clearly demonstrated that lasting peace cannot be achieved solely through military power or political dominance. In such circumstances, the Gandhian philosophy, founded on the principles of truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), Satyagraha, dialogue, tolerance, and Sarvodaya (the welfare of all), offers a practical as well as ethical approach to global peace and conflict resolution. Gandhian ideals emphasize peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, justice, and human dignity as the foundation for resolving conflicts and promoting sustainable peace. The study concludes that if the international community effectively incorporates Gandhian values into the processes of global governance, diplomacy, and peace-building, it can contribute significantly to the establishment of a more just, inclusive, and peaceful world order. Abstract: वर्तमान वैश्विक परिदृश्य में युद्ध, आतंकवाद, धार्मिक कट्टरता, नस्लीय संघर्ष, आर्थिक असमानता, जलवायु परिवर्तन तथा परमाणु हथियारों की प्रतिस्पर्धा जैसी चुनौतियाँ विश्व शांति के लिए गंभीर खतरा बन चुकी हैं। रूस–यूक्रेन युद्ध, इज़राइल–फिलिस्तीन संघर्ष तथा विभिन्न क्षेत्रों में बढ़ती हिंसक घटनाओं ने यह स्पष्ट कर दिया है कि केवल सैन्य शक्ति अथवा राजनीतिक प्रभुत्व के आधार पर स्थायी शांति स्थापित नहीं की जा सकती। ऐसी परिस्थितियों में महात्मा गांधी द्वारा प्रतिपादित सत्य, अहिंसा, सत्याग्रह, संवाद, सहिष्णुता तथा सर्वोदय पर आधारित गांधीवादी दर्शन वैश्विक शांति एवं संघर्ष समाधान के लिए एक व्यवहारिक तथा नैतिक विकल्प प्रस्तुत करता है। यदि अंतरराष्ट्रीय समुदाय गांधीवादी मूल्यों को वैश्विक शासन, कूटनीति तथा शांति-निर्माण की प्रक्रियाओं में प्रभावी रूप से अपनाता है, तो अधिक न्यायपूर्ण, समावेशी तथा शांतिपूर्ण विश्व व्यवस्था की स्थापना संभव हो सकती है। Keywords: गांधीवाद, विश्व शांति, संघर्ष समाधान, अहिंसा, सत्याग्रह, अंतरराष्ट्रीय संबंध, संयुक्त राष्ट्र, सतत विकास।
Dismantling the Hidden Curriculum: A Conceptual Framework for Gender-Responsive Curricular Transformation in Higher Education
The pursuit of gender equality in higher education has increasingly become a global priority, reflected in international frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNESCO's Gender Equality Strategy, and India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While significant progress has been achieved in improving access to higher education, persistent gender inequalities continue to operate through the hidden curriculum—the implicit values, norms, institutional practices, and social interactions that shape learners' experiences beyond the formal curriculum. These invisible mechanisms influence students' academic participation, leadership opportunities, career aspirations, and perceptions of gender roles, often reinforcing existing social inequalities. This conceptual paper critically examines the role of the hidden curriculum in perpetuating gender disparities within higher education and proposes a comprehensive framework for gender-responsive curricular transformation. Adopting a qualitative conceptual research design, the study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and thematic analysis of peer-reviewed journal articles, policy documents, and reports published by UNESCO, OECD, UN Women, and the Government of India. The review identifies five interrelated dimensions through which hidden curricula influence gender equity: curriculum content, pedagogical practices, institutional culture, leadership and governance, and assessment and evaluation. Based on these findings, the paper proposes an integrated framework that combines curriculum redesign, inclusive pedagogy, institutional reforms, faculty capacity building, digital inclusion, and continuous gender auditing. The framework aligns with the objectives of SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and NEP 2020. The study contributes to curriculum theory by shifting the discourse from identifying hidden gender bias to offering a practical roadmap for institutional transformation. The proposed framework provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, curriculum developers, teacher educators, and university administrators committed to creating equitable, inclusive, and socially just higher education systems.
NEP 2020 and the Integration of Traditional Knowledge with Modern Research
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a transformative milestone in India's educational landscape by advocating a holistic, multidisciplinary, and research-oriented approach to learning. One of its distinguishing features is the integration of India's rich traditional knowledge systems with contemporary scientific research and innovation. Traditional knowledge, encompassing disciplines such as Ayurveda, Yoga, Vedic Mathematics, astronomy, agriculture, metallurgy, philosophy, linguistics, and environmental conservation, has significantly contributed to the intellectual heritage of humanity. However, globalization, modernization, and colonial educational practices led to the gradual marginalization of indigenous knowledge systems within mainstream academia. NEP 2020 seeks to restore this balance by encouraging evidence-based integration of traditional wisdom into modern education and research. This chapter critically examines the conceptual framework of NEP 2020 concerning Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), highlighting its role in higher education reforms, multidisciplinary education, curriculum innovation, skill development, research ethics, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. The study adopts a qualitative research approach based on policy analysis, literature review, and secondary data from government reports, academic publications, and institutional documents. The chapter argues that integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific inquiry promotes innovation, cultural preservation, ethical values, environmental sustainability, and national development. It further identifies implementation challenges such as curriculum restructuring, faculty preparedness, research funding, scientific validation, and institutional collaboration. Finally, recommendations are offered for strengthening the integration of traditional knowledge within India's higher education ecosystem while maintaining international standards of academic excellence and scientific rigor.
Inspirations of Ram Rajya Embedded in Indian Constitutional Philosophy
Indian constitutional philosophy is one of the distinctive constitutional paradigms in the world, representing not merely a framework of governance but also the broader ideals of social justice, equality, liberty, fraternity, and public welfare. While embracing modern democratic values, the framers of the Indian Constitution also incorporated several ideals rooted in India's rich cultural and philosophical traditions. In this context, the concept of Ram Rajya serves as a significant source of inspiration. Ram Rajya does not imply the establishment of a religious state; rather, it denotes a system of governance founded upon justice, morality, public welfare, accountability, equal opportunities, and active public participation. The inspirations of Ram Rajya embedded in Indian constitutional philosophy are reflected through the Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and democratic institutions. The constitutional commitment to social, economic, and political justice closely aligns with the ideal of Ram Rajya, where the welfare and dignity of every citizen are safeguarded. The Constitution upholds equal citizenship, the rule of law, and the concept of a welfare state, thereby providing a modern democratic expression to the public-oriented ideals of Ram Rajya. This study explores the interrelationship between Indian constitutional philosophy and the concept of Ram Rajya and demonstrates how the Constitution has reinterpreted the ideals of ancient Indian thought in accordance with the principles of modern democratic governance. Abstract: भारतीय संवैधानिक दर्शन विश्व के उन विशिष्ट संवैधानिक प्रतिमानों में से एक है जो केवल शासन व्यवस्था का दस्तावेज नहीं, बल्कि सामाजिक न्याय, समानता, स्वतंत्रता, बंधुत्व और लोककल्याण की व्यापक अवधारणाओं का प्रतिनिधित्व करता है। भारतीय संविधान निर्माताओं ने आधुनिक लोकतांत्रिक मूल्यों को अपनाते हुए भारतीय सांस्कृतिक एवं दार्शनिक परंपराओं के अनेक आदर्शों को भी संवैधानिक संरचना में समाहित किया। इसी संदर्भ में “रामराज्य” की अवधारणा एक महत्वपूर्ण प्रेरक तत्व के रूप में देखी जाती है। रामराज्य का तात्पर्य किसी धार्मिक राज्य की स्थापना से नहीं, बल्कि ऐसी शासन प्रणाली से है जिसमें न्याय, नैतिकता, लोककल्याण, उत्तरदायित्व, समान अवसर तथा जनसहभागिता को सर्वोच्च स्थान प्राप्त हो। भारतीय संवैधानिक दर्शन में निहित रामराज्य की अभिप्रेरणाएं संविधान की प्रस्तावना, मौलिक अधिकारों, राज्य के नीति निदेशक तत्वों तथा लोकतांत्रिक संस्थाओं के माध्यम से परिलक्षित होती हैं। संविधान में वर्णित सामाजिक, आर्थिक और राजनीतिक न्याय का लक्ष्य रामराज्य की उस आदर्श व्यवस्था से मेल खाता है जिसमें प्रत्येक नागरिक के कल्याण और गरिमा की रक्षा सुनिश्चित की जाती है। संविधान समान नागरिकता, विधि का शासन तथा राज्य के कल्याणकारी स्वरूप को स्वीकार करता है, जो रामराज्य की लोकहितकारी अवधारणा को आधुनिक रूप प्रदान करता है। यह अध्ययन भारतीय संवैधानिक दर्शन और रामराज्य की अवधारणा के अंतर्संबंधों का अध्ययन करता है तथा यह स्पष्ट करता है कि भारतीय संविधान ने प्राचीन भारतीय चिंतन के आदर्शों को आधुनिक लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था के अनुरूप पुनर्परिभाषित किया है। Keywords: भारतीय संविधान, संवैधानिक दर्शन, रामराज्य, लोककल्याणकारी राज्य, सामाजिक न्याय, नैतिक शासन, भारतीय सांस्कृतिक परंपरा।
The Representation of Trauma and Memory in Postcolonial Novels by South Asian Writers
Trauma and memory in postcolonial South Asian novels represent a major area of literary investigation which prefigures the intricate overlaps of history and identity, as well as the interrelations of narrative. This paper explores the pivotal role of South Asian writers in transforming literature into an alternative archive that challenges dominant historical discourses and reinvents marginalized voices. Trauma as a legacy of colonialism, the Partition of 1947, caste oppression, gendered violence, and displacement is not only represented on an individual level as a psychological condition, but also on a collective and intergenerational scale. Memory is a process that is dynamic, fragmented, and contested as it reconstructs the past and negotiates present identities. Authors portray the unsayability of traumatic experiences, using a variety of narrative techniques: nonlinear structure, unreliable narrator, silence, symbolism, and magical realism. Some of the themes explored in this study include Partition trauma, postmemory, diasporic identity, and subaltern resistance, and how memory operates as a restorative and disruptive force. The paper shows that these narratives are actively resisting official histories and helping to better understand socio-political and cultural complexities of South Asia.
Indian Knowledge System and Different Periods of Hindi Literature: A Study in the Contemporary Context
The Indian Knowledge System is one of the world's oldest and richest intellectual traditions, rooted in the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, philosophical systems, Smritis, and diverse streams of indigenous knowledge. This tradition is not confined solely to spiritual and religious thought; it also encompasses broader concepts of human values, ethics, social organization, environmental consciousness, and the welfare of humanity. Throughout its various historical periods, Hindi literature has assimilated these fundamental elements of the Indian Knowledge System and expressed them through diverse literary forms. The Adikal (Early Period) reflects ideals of heroism, righteousness, and folk life, while the Bhakti Period witnessed the widespread dissemination of Indian Knowledge System through devotion, equality, humanism, and spiritual consciousness. Although the Ritikal (Classical Period) primarily emphasized love, aesthetics, and poetic beauty, it also retained significant cultural and philosophical dimensions. In the Modern Period, Hindi literature gave prominence to social reform, national consciousness, the freedom movement, and human values, representing a contemporary reinterpretation of the Indian Knowledge System. In the present era of globalization, technological advancement, and cultural transformation, the Indian Knowledge System has once again emerged as highly relevant. Contemporary discourses in Hindi literature, including feminist studies, Dalit studies, environmental discourse, and cultural studies, increasingly reflect various dimensions of this tradition in new and meaningful ways. The present study examines the expression of the Indian Knowledge System across different periods of Hindi literature, its historical development, and its relevance in contemporary contexts. The study concludes that the Indian Knowledge System has served as the ideological foundation of Hindi literature and continues to play a significant role in the social, cultural, and ethical reconstruction of contemporary society. Abstract: भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा विश्व की प्राचीनतम एवं समृद्ध बौद्धिक परंपराओं में से एक है, जिसका आधार वेद, उपनिषद, पुराण, दर्शन, स्मृतियाँ तथा लोक-ज्ञान की विविध धाराएँ हैं। यह परंपरा केवल आध्यात्मिक और धार्मिक विचारों तक सीमित नहीं है, बल्कि जीवन-मूल्यों, नैतिकता, सामाजिक व्यवस्था, प्रकृति के प्रति संवेदनशीलता तथा मानव कल्याण की व्यापक अवधारणाओं को भी समाहित करती है। हिंदी साहित्य ने अपने विभिन्न कालखंडों में भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा के इन मूल तत्वों को आत्मसात करते हुए उन्हें साहित्यिक अभिव्यक्ति प्रदान की है। आदिकाल में वीरता, धर्म और लोकजीवन के आदर्शों का चित्रण मिलता है, जबकि भक्तिकाल में भक्ति, समता, मानवता और आध्यात्मिक चेतना के माध्यम से भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा का व्यापक प्रसार हुआ। रीतिकाल में यद्यपि श्रृंगार और काव्य-सौंदर्य प्रमुख रहे, तथापि उसमें सांस्कृतिक और दार्शनिक तत्वों की उपस्थिति भी दृष्टिगत होती है। आधुनिक काल में सामाजिक सुधार, राष्ट्रीय चेतना, स्वतंत्रता संघर्ष और मानवीय मूल्यों को साहित्य में प्रमुखता मिली, जो भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा के समसामयिक पुनर्पाठ का उदाहरण है। वर्तमान वैश्वीकरण, तकनीकी विकास और सांस्कृतिक संक्रमण के दौर में भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा पुनः प्रासंगिक होती दिखाई दे रही है। हिंदी साहित्य के समकालीन विमर्शों जैसे स्त्री विमर्श, दलित विमर्श, पर्यावरण विमर्श तथा सांस्कृतिक अध्ययन में भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा के अनेक आयाम नए रूप में उभर रहे हैं। प्रस्तुत अध्ययन हिंदी साहित्य के विभिन्न कालखंडों में भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा की अभिव्यक्ति, उसके विकास तथा समकालीन संदर्भों में उसकी प्रासंगिकता का अध्ययन करता है। यह अध्ययन स्पष्ट करता है कि भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा हिंदी साहित्य की वैचारिक आधारशिला रही है और आज भी सामाजिक, सांस्कृतिक तथा नैतिक पुनर्निर्माण में महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा रही है। Keywords: भारतीय ज्ञान परंपरा, हिंदी साहित्य, समकालीन साहित्य, सांस्कृतिक चेतना, भारतीय दर्शन, आध्यात्मिकता, मानवीय मूल्य।
Echoes of the Unconscious: Lacanian Readings of Identity and the Symbolic in The Shadow Lines and The Strange Case of Billy Biswas
This paper applies Lacanian psychoanalytic theory to examine identity, desire, and the symbolic order in Amitav Ghosh’s The Shadow Lines and Arun Joshi’s The Strange Case of Billy Biswas. Using Lacan’s concepts of the Imaginary, Symbolic, and Real, the study argues that both novels present the subject as divided, unstable, and shaped by lack. In The Shadow Lines, fragmented memory, blurred borders, and acts of violence reveal how identity is constructed through language and social structures. In The Strange Case of Billy Biswas, Billy’s estrangement from urban life and his movement toward the tribal world reflect a refusal of symbolic norms and a search for wholeness that remains unattainable. The comparative reading shows that both texts explore the tension between the desire for unity and the fragmented nature of selfhood. Ultimately, the paper suggests that a Lacanian reading offers deeper insight into how postcolonial identity is formed, displaced, and troubled by language, memory, and desire.
Human-Wildlife Conflict: Causes, Consequences, and Mitigation Strategies
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) represents one of the most pressing socio-ecological challenges confronting contemporary India, where expanding human populations and recovering wildlife populations increasingly compete for shrinking landscapes. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the causes, consequences, and mitigation strategies for HWC in the Indian context. Drawing upon peer-reviewed research, government data, and empirical case studies published between 2020-2023, we analyze the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon. A systematic review reveals that most HWC-related research has been concentrated in Karnataka, followed by Kerala and West Bengal, with elephants identified as the highest conflict species, followed by wild pigs and leopards (Shameer et al., 2023). Key drivers include habitat fragmentation and loss, agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and the expansion of wildlife populations into human-dominated landscapes. The consequences extend beyond immediate human casualties and economic losses to encompass psychological trauma, livelihood destabilization, retaliatory wildlife killings, and erosion of public support for conservation. Research from the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve demonstrates that anthropogenic pressure reducing grass biomass and degrading habitat is the likely root cause of human-elephant conflict, and minimizing it would reduce overall conflict (Baskaran et al., 2023). We evaluate existing mitigation approaches including physical barriers, early warning systems, community-based initiatives, and compensation mechanisms. The analysis highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches and multiple stakeholder involvement for effective HWC management (Shameer et al., 2023). We argue that sustainable solutions require moving beyond reactive, species-centric interventions toward integrated landscape planning that addresses both ecological and social dimensions of conflict.